Years ago an interesting write up of how British vs. Americans differences occur in their hearing, it appeared in FI Magazine, long gone. So, their is a scientific basis for cultural differences in audio design, especially speakers. We all know about the 'British Sound', and it is true.
The Cultural Side of Audio Design
It's always struck me as odd, the similarities that seem to exist among designers from certain countries.
By that, I mean--Itallian speakers tend to have a sound that we seem to apply to the population of that country, romantic, sexy (look) lush sounding.
The German speakers, seem to be more spartan, with (think BMW) a cooler, less romantic, but very accurate sound.
British, not aloof and standoffish, as some describe the Brits, but very articulate and warm in the midrange--certainly a 'sound' of it's own in the market.
The United States, an amalgam of all of these, the 'melting pot' of designs, oddly, like the population of the country.
France...very rich and romantic, somewhat like the Itallian, with beautiful cosmetics.
Denmark, (think Gryphon), not much to work with with regard to the population as I personally can't ascribe traits to the Danes that to me are as obvious as these above mentioned. German like in the cosmetic arena, yet solid state that has an almost tube character, rich, musical and about as good for MY taste, as it gets.
Austrian, German like in prescision, rich and romantic sounding, Itallian beauty in design, sort of a European mixture of all the best qualities.
Japanese, very stark sounding, very little warmth, even strident sounding for many years, especially in the receiver lines. I remember HK coming along and basically, for my taste, killing their Japanese counterparts.
I suppose this is a delusion or hallucination on my part, but I've wondered about this...
Am I simply projecting my own feelings and tastes here, or does anyone else see any of these similarities?
Good listening,
Larry
By that, I mean--Itallian speakers tend to have a sound that we seem to apply to the population of that country, romantic, sexy (look) lush sounding.
The German speakers, seem to be more spartan, with (think BMW) a cooler, less romantic, but very accurate sound.
British, not aloof and standoffish, as some describe the Brits, but very articulate and warm in the midrange--certainly a 'sound' of it's own in the market.
The United States, an amalgam of all of these, the 'melting pot' of designs, oddly, like the population of the country.
France...very rich and romantic, somewhat like the Itallian, with beautiful cosmetics.
Denmark, (think Gryphon), not much to work with with regard to the population as I personally can't ascribe traits to the Danes that to me are as obvious as these above mentioned. German like in the cosmetic arena, yet solid state that has an almost tube character, rich, musical and about as good for MY taste, as it gets.
Austrian, German like in prescision, rich and romantic sounding, Itallian beauty in design, sort of a European mixture of all the best qualities.
Japanese, very stark sounding, very little warmth, even strident sounding for many years, especially in the receiver lines. I remember HK coming along and basically, for my taste, killing their Japanese counterparts.
I suppose this is a delusion or hallucination on my part, but I've wondered about this...
Am I simply projecting my own feelings and tastes here, or does anyone else see any of these similarities?
Good listening,
Larry
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